Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Oops! Stone Free... That's what I meant. The days I have the really bad pain is the days I take those pils. I've read testimonials and no one mentioned increased pain levels!I've been cooking with coconut oil... Maybe I should stop using that too.~frustrated~CandaceSent from my iPhoneOn Aug 27, 2009, at 1:45 PM, "evergreengarden" <evergreengarden@...> wrote: I took Stone Free and Stone Breaker and both helped me a lot. In one occasion I took one whose name I forgot, but they contained oil and I felt worse than ever. It's important to stop eating all kinds of fats, even olive oil and nuts for some time until you feel better. Pure carrot juice and pure cranberry juice also helped me a great deal. I highly recommend both, but especially the cranberry juice. Rena Stone Away Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!CandaceSent from my iPhone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free:Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice RootOther Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxideIt hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know.Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 27, 2009, at 7:01 AM, Suzanne <suziesgoats@...> wrote: What pills? and what is in them? Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock >Subject: Stone Away" " < >Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 12:12 PM Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!Candace start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Stone free was the first one I took when I began having excruciating pain and it was a blessing to me. However, the queen of queens was the pure juice of cranberry juice. I stopped all oils for a while and later I began introducing oils and nuts very slowly. Rena Stone Away Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!CandaceSent from my iPhone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 I don't have the bottle to compare the ingredients. I bought it in Whole Food Store and it came in tablets. I took 5 a day between meals. I noticed something strange in my stomach so after a while I used to take the 5 tablets together right before a meal and I didn't experience any bad symptom. Rena Stone Away" " < >Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 12:12 PM Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!Candacestart: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 ok. not tried them.. but I would not be eating any oils right now, unless it is in raw form.. no cooking it. Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. I took Stone Free and Stone Breaker and both helped me a lot. In one occasion I took one whose name I forgot, but they contained oil and I felt worse than ever. It's important to stop eating all kinds of fats, even olive oil and nuts for some time until you feel better. Pure carrot juice and pure cranberry juice also helped me a great deal. I highly recommend both, but especially the cranberry juice. Rena [HAWK_Health_ Awareness] Stone Away Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!CandaceSent from my iPhone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 good stuff except for the additives.. have you tried just taking dandelion and/or milk thistle for your liver? Do you know you have stones for sure? I may have missed that in a previous post. Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock@...>Subject: Re: Stone Away"health " <health >Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 3:51 PM Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice Root Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Although I do not do it as often as I should, a tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of water several times a day is a good way to keep stones away. I had to give up peanut butter. I lived most of my life on peanut butter, sometimes that was all I ate. But it was either that or give up my gall bladder, one had to go. On Thu, 2009-08-27 at 13:51 -0700, Candace Podratz wrote: > > > Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: > > > Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon > Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and > Licorice Root > > > Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia > gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide > > > It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's > probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. > Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks > when I take them? I just don't know. > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Aug 27, 2009, at 7:01 AM, Suzanne <suziesgoats@...> wrote: > > > > > > > What pills? > > and what is in them? > > > > > > Suzi > > List Owner > > health/ > > http://360./suziesgoats > > What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. > > > > > > > > > > From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock@...> > > Subject: Stone Away > > " " > > < > > > Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 12:12 PM > > > > Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of > > gallstones? > > > > Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm > > wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken > > up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them. > > > > I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was > > having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a > > bad thing is the question. > > > > Any input would be great! > > Candace > > > > > > > > start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 > > > > start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 In my experience, even different nuts made me feel bad and triggered the pain. [HAWK_Health_ Awareness] Stone Away Has anyone on here ever used these pills to get rid of gallstones?Every day I take them I end up in the worst pain. I'm wondering if that's a good thing and stones are being broken up or if it's a bad thing and I should stop taking them.I woke up this a.m. to a swollen liver feeling like I was having a heart attack. Classic stones but a good thing or a bad thing is the question.Any input would be great!CandaceSent from my iPhone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 I have milk thistle... But didn't know that helps with stones!?They did several tests and concluded my gallbladder is almost completely nonfunctioning besides it's AMAZING ability to shoot out stones! I have stones in my gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and clogging up my intestines!!!Apparently this stone production goin on in there has been happening for years!They also did a gastric emptying study and asked if I stopped eating the day before like they'd asked!!???! Yep, but food from the day before was still in my stomach. My stomach works at less than 10%. Sooo pills of any kind give me stomach rot because they just sit there. I'm wondering if the Stone pills don't get passed on in pieces too big to do any good.Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 27, 2009, at 6:34 PM, Suzanne <suziesgoats@...> wrote: good stuff except for the additives.. have you tried just taking dandelion and/or milk thistle for your liver? Do you know you have stones for sure? I may have missed that in a previous post. Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock >Subject: Re: Stone Away"health " <health >Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 3:51 PM Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice Root Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 not with the stones but to help your liver.. It also has alot of other benefits. Also, how about trying a liquid diet for awhile... Veggie or fruit juice combos. Do you have a juicer or blender? Here is some info on milk thistle. What are the health benefits of milk thistle?Milk thistle has been used for centuries for the treatment of liver disease. Milk thistle appears to be safe and have multiple health benefits on various liver conditions; the available evidence on the mechanisms of action appears promising [1]. Traditionally, milk thistle is commonly used for liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, liver poisoning, and viral hepatitis.What ingredients in milk thistle contribute to its beneficial effects?Milk thistle extracts are standardized to a concentration of 70-80% of flavone lignans including isosilybinin, silybinin, silychristin, and silydianin, which are collectively called silymarin. Silymarin may play a role in displacing toxins binding to the liver and causing the liver cells to regenerate at a faster rate.Milk thistle is a flowering herb. Silymarin can be extracted from the seeds (fruit). The seeds are used to prepare capsules containing powdered herb or seed; extracts; and infusions (strong teas). [NCCAM]How do suppliers talk about health benefits of milk thistle?Milk Thistle has been marketed as a herbal supplement having a protecting benefits on the liver, they claim milk thistle can even regenerate the liver cells in most liver diseases such as cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), jaundice and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cholangitis (inflammation of bile ducts resulting in decreased bile flow). Milk Thistle is also marketed as a preventative medicine to protect each cell of the liver from incoming toxins and encourage the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals. Milk thistle is also promoted as an agent which can cleanse and detoxify overburdened and stagnant livers, strengthen and tonify weak livers.Milk thistle is also suggested to be used as a gentle and mild laxative, as it may be able to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. This herb is also claimed to be able to lubricate and soften the stools to a mild laxative effect- a balance between constipation and diarrhea. However, scientific supports to these claims are limited. In the following section, we review what scientists found about milk thistle - benefits and side effects.MILK THISTLE EXTRACT HEALTH BENEFITS; RESEARCH FINDSMilk thistle silymarin has anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and anticarcinogenic effects. These effects are probably related to inhibition of activation of NF-kappa B and the kinases. [7]ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES Milk thistle silybin inhibited RNA and protein synthesis on gram-positive bacteria. [8]ANTI-OXIDANT Milk thistle, silymarin, reduced NO production at less than 300 ppm. [9]ARTHEROSCLEROSIS Milk thistle and lecithin have found to have anti-atherosclerotic activity in rabbits. Milk thistle-phospholipid complex showed a strong anti-atherosclerotic activity. [10]CANCER Milk thistle silymarin exerts chemopreventive effects against tumorigenicity by inhibiting endogenous tumor promoter TNF alpha. [11] Milk thistle silibinin and milk thistle silymarin, have shown the anticancer effects in different cancer cells in multiple studies:BLADDER Milk thistle silibinin modulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors - cyclin-dependent kinases -cyclin cascade and activates caspase 3 causing growth inhibition and apoptotic death of human bladder transitional cell carcinoma cells. [12] In another study, milk thistle silibinin decreased survivin levels and caspases-PARP cleavages, in accord with a strong apoptotic death and growth inhibition of Human bladder transitional-cell papilloma cells. [13] And, milk thistle silymarin was found to be effective in preventing OH-BBN-induced bladder carcinogenesis in mice. [14]BREAST An in vitro study has suggested a possible synergism between milk thistle silibinin and conventional cytotoxic agents for breast cancer treatment. [15] Milk thistle extract may exert a strong anticarcinogenic effect against breast cancer involving inhibition the threshold kinase activities of cyclin-dependent kinases and associated cyclins, leading to a G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. [16].COLON Study showed a chemopreventive ability of milk thistle silymarin against chemically induced colon tumorigenesis.[17]ENDOTHELIAL CELLS Milk thistle silibinin may exert, at least partly, its anti-cancer effect by inhibiting angiogenesis through induction of endothelial apoptosis via modulation of NF-kappaB, Bcl-2 family and caspases. [18] Milk thistle silibinin toxicity to cancer cells is found to involve the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. [19]LUNG Milk thistle containing Silibinin exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and motility of human lung cancer cells.[20]LIVER Milk thistle may be useful in the prevention or treatment of liver dysfunction in patients undergoing anticancer therapy.[21]PROSTATE In prostate cancer, milk thistle silibinin exerts its anti-cancer effect probably via epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor type I and nuclear factor kappa B signaling [23] Milk thistle extracts possess anticancer activities on human prostate carcinoma. Isosilybin A and B might be the most effective suppressors of prostate-specific antigen secretion by androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Researchers suggested that milk thistle extracts enriched for isosilybin A or B might possess improved potency in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. [22] Finally, milk thistle silibinin was found to able to down regulate 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, thus, milk thistle may be beneficial to prostate health. [23] There are eight more studies showing milk thistle benefits on prostate [24-32].SKIN In studies of rats, milk thistle extracts provided substantial protection against different stages of UVB-induced carcinogenesis, possibly via its strong antioxidant properties. [33] In another study, topical treatment of milk thistle silymarin inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-initiated and several tumor promoters in mouse models. [34] There are two more studies showing the anti-tumor activities of milk thistle extracts on skin cancer: [35]TONGUE Feeding of milk thistle silymarin (500 p.p.m.) during the promotion phase of 4-NQO-induced rat tumorigenesis exerts chemopreventive ability against tongue squamous cell carcinoma through modification of phase II enzymes activity, cell proliferation, and/or PGE(2) content. [36]CHOLESTASIS Milk thistle prevents cholestasis induced by estrogens and taurolithocholate via inhibiting cAMP-phosphodiesterase. [38] In 1985, Koch HP reported that milk thistle was a very potent inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Milk thistle's constituents, silybin, silydianin and silychristin, are 12.66 to 52.06 times more active than theophylline. [37]DIABETES Milk thistle extracts may be useful in treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as silibinin inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin release in vitro, while not affecting blood glucose concentration in vivo. [39]Aqueous extracts of milk thistle exhibit potent hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic activities in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats without affecting insulin secretion. [40]HEART Milk thistle extract, silymarin, protects cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress via cell membrane stabilization effect, radical scavenging and iron chelating potency. {41]IMMUNE MODULATIONA study of mice showed milk thistle silymarin could prevent UVB-induced immuno-suppression and oxidative stress probably by inhibiting the infiltration of leukocytes, and myeloperoxidase activity. [42]A study demonstrated that milk thistle was immunostimulatory in vitro. Milk thistle increased lymphocyte proliferation in both mitogen and MLC assays. These effects of Milk Thistle were associated with an increase in interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 cytokines in the MLC (table). This immunostimulatory effect increased in response to increasing doses of Milk Thistle. [43]LIVERCIRRHOSIS A double blind study of 170 patients with cirrhosis demonstrated that silymarin (milk thistle extract) treatment was effective in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. [44] A study has suggested that milk thistle and S-adenosylmethionine may be effective in alcoholic cirrhosis. [45]FIBROSIS Milk thistle silymarin retarded the development of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in 12 baboons, consistent with several positive clinical trials. [46]INJURY The hepatoprotective properties of milk thistle extracts in acute and chronic liver injury is probably related to inhibition of leukotriene B (4) formation by silibinin [Milk thistle]. [47]The protective effects of milk thistle on liver injury may be related to the recovery of the membrane fluidities of liver microsome and mitochondria [48]HEPATITIS C A double-blinded trial of 141 subjects demonstrated that milk thistle extract, silymarin, could improve symptoms and general well-being of patients suffered from hepatitis C. [49] However, some researchers found that milk thistle extracts had no benefits on liver health. For instance, milk thistle extract was found to have no hepatoprotective effect on dairy cows. [50]NERVOUS SYSTEMIn a cell study, milk thistle silymarin significantly inhibited the LPS-induced activation of microglia and the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide (NO), and reduced the damage to dopaminergic neurons.[51]Milk thistle extract protected cultured rat hippocampal neurons against oxidative stress-induced cell death. [52]MILK THISTLE DRUG INTERACTIONMilk thistle decreased the trough concentrations of indinavir in humans. [53] However, another study showed milk thistle had no apparent effect on indinavir plasma concentrations. [54] This conflicting data might be due to different milk thistle product preparation, extraction method, product composition, experimental design or even the purity of milk thistle.MILK THISTLE SIDE EFFECTSMilk thistle appears to be safe and accepted by patients. Only a few cases of milk thistle side effect have been reported. Citations about milk thistle side effects and safety issues from various researchers are summarized as follows:[1] Silymarin (milk thistle) with few side effects that has been safely used for centuries to treat liver ailments. [55][2] Silymarin (milk thistle) side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic skin rashes.[56][3] In a study of 170 patients with cirrhosis, researchers observed no milk thistle side effect. [57][4] Silymarin (milk thistle) exposure did not produce any signs of overt toxicity or any changes in relative organ weights. VJ et al, Physiological responses of a natural antioxidant flavonoid mixture, silymarin, in BALB/c mice: III. [58][5] Treatment with milk thistle appears to be safe and well tolerated. No reduction in mortality, but improvements in histology and in biochemical markers of liver function among patients with chronic liver disease were found with milk thistle supplement. [59][6] Milk thistle was not associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse events. [60][7] High dose of milk thistle may stimulate inflammatory process (from a mice study). [61]Note Milk thistle can produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (e.g. ragweed, chrysanthemium, marigold, and daisy}.CONCLUSIONS1. Milk thistle has somewhat benefits on liver conditions. But, its effect on hepatitis C is inconclusive.2. Milk thistle extracts are well-accepted, with limited side effects.3. Milk thistle extracts may have benfits on cancer prevention, based on the vitro and animal studies. Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock >Subject: Re: [HAWK_Health_ Awareness] Stone Away"HAWK_Health_ Awareness" <HAWK_Health_ Awareness>Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 3:51 PM Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice Root Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 I have a juicer and a blender. I tried an all liquid diet but get SO hungry since starting on Kombucha. It seems to be helping my stomach work and i'm suddenly feeling like if I don't eat 4x a day I'll starve to death.I think I'll try a liquid diet this weekend. I move around way too much at work to not get hungry.Thanks for the info on milk thistle! I had no idea it did that much!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 27, 2009, at 10:20 PM, Suzanne <suziesgoats@...> wrote: not with the stones but to help your liver.. It also has alot of other benefits. Also, how about trying a liquid diet for awhile... Veggie or fruit juice combos. Do you have a juicer or blender? Here is some info on milk thistle. What are the health benefits of milk thistle?Milk thistle has been used for centuries for the treatment of liver disease. Milk thistle appears to be safe and have multiple health benefits on various liver conditions; the available evidence on the mechanisms of action appears promising [1]. Traditionally, milk thistle is commonly used for liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, liver poisoning, and viral hepatitis.What ingredients in milk thistle contribute to its beneficial effects?Milk thistle extracts are standardized to a concentration of 70-80% of flavone lignans including isosilybinin, silybinin, silychristin, and silydianin, which are collectively called silymarin. Silymarin may play a role in displacing toxins binding to the liver and causing the liver cells to regenerate at a faster rate.Milk thistle is a flowering herb. Silymarin can be extracted from the seeds (fruit). The seeds are used to prepare capsules containing powdered herb or seed; extracts; and infusions (strong teas). [NCCAM]How do suppliers talk about health benefits of milk thistle?Milk Thistle has been marketed as a herbal supplement having a protecting benefits on the liver, they claim milk thistle can even regenerate the liver cells in most liver diseases such as cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), jaundice and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cholangitis (inflammation of bile ducts resulting in decreased bile flow). Milk Thistle is also marketed as a preventative medicine to protect each cell of the liver from incoming toxins and encourage the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals. Milk thistle is also promoted as an agent which can cleanse and detoxify overburdened and stagnant livers, strengthen and tonify weak livers.Milk thistle is also suggested to be used as a gentle and mild laxative, as it may be able to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. This herb is also claimed to be able to lubricate and soften the stools to a mild laxative effect- a balance between constipation and diarrhea. However, scientific supports to these claims are limited. In the following section, we review what scientists found about milk thistle - benefits and side effects.MILK THISTLE EXTRACT HEALTH BENEFITS; RESEARCH FINDSMilk thistle silymarin has anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and anticarcinogenic effects. These effects are probably related to inhibition of activation of NF-kappa B and the kinases. [7]ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES Milk thistle silybin inhibited RNA and protein synthesis on gram-positive bacteria. [8]ANTI-OXIDANT Milk thistle, silymarin, reduced NO production at less than 300 ppm. [9]ARTHEROSCLEROSIS Milk thistle and lecithin have found to have anti-atherosclerotic activity in rabbits. Milk thistle-phospholipid complex showed a strong anti-atherosclerotic activity. [10]CANCER Milk thistle silymarin exerts chemopreventive effects against tumorigenicity by inhibiting endogenous tumor promoter TNF alpha. [11] Milk thistle silibinin and milk thistle silymarin, have shown the anticancer effects in different cancer cells in multiple studies:BLADDER Milk thistle silibinin modulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors - cyclin-dependent kinases -cyclin cascade and activates caspase 3 causing growth inhibition and apoptotic death of human bladder transitional cell carcinoma cells. [12] In another study, milk thistle silibinin decreased survivin levels and caspases-PARP cleavages, in accord with a strong apoptotic death and growth inhibition of Human bladder transitional-cell papilloma cells. [13] And, milk thistle silymarin was found to be effective in preventing OH-BBN-induced bladder carcinogenesis in mice. [14]BREAST An in vitro study has suggested a possible synergism between milk thistle silibinin and conventional cytotoxic agents for breast cancer treatment. [15] Milk thistle extract may exert a strong anticarcinogenic effect against breast cancer involving inhibition the threshold kinase activities of cyclin-dependent kinases and associated cyclins, leading to a G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. [16].COLON Study showed a chemopreventive ability of milk thistle silymarin against chemically induced colon tumorigenesis.[17]ENDOTHELIAL CELLS Milk thistle silibinin may exert, at least partly, its anti-cancer effect by inhibiting angiogenesis through induction of endothelial apoptosis via modulation of NF-kappaB, Bcl-2 family and caspases. [18] Milk thistle silibinin toxicity to cancer cells is found to involve the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. [19]LUNG Milk thistle containing Silibinin exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and motility of human lung cancer cells.[20]LIVER Milk thistle may be useful in the prevention or treatment of liver dysfunction in patients undergoing anticancer therapy.[21]PROSTATE In prostate cancer, milk thistle silibinin exerts its anti-cancer effect probably via epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor type I and nuclear factor kappa B signaling [23] Milk thistle extracts possess anticancer activities on human prostate carcinoma. Isosilybin A and B might be the most effective suppressors of prostate-specific antigen secretion by androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Researchers suggested that milk thistle extracts enriched for isosilybin A or B might possess improved potency in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. [22] Finally, milk thistle silibinin was found to able to down regulate 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, thus, milk thistle may be beneficial to prostate health. [23] There are eight more studies showing milk thistle benefits on prostate [24-32].SKIN In studies of rats, milk thistle extracts provided substantial protection against different stages of UVB-induced carcinogenesis, possibly via its strong antioxidant properties. [33] In another study, topical treatment of milk thistle silymarin inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-initiated and several tumor promoters in mouse models. [34] There are two more studies showing the anti-tumor activities of milk thistle extracts on skin cancer: [35]TONGUE Feeding of milk thistle silymarin (500 p.p.m.) during the promotion phase of 4-NQO-induced rat tumorigenesis exerts chemopreventive ability against tongue squamous cell carcinoma through modification of phase II enzymes activity, cell proliferation, and/or PGE(2) content. [36]CHOLESTASIS Milk thistle prevents cholestasis induced by estrogens and taurolithocholate via inhibiting cAMP-phosphodiesterase. [38] In 1985, Koch HP reported that milk thistle was a very potent inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Milk thistle's constituents, silybin, silydianin and silychristin, are 12.66 to 52.06 times more active than theophylline. [37]DIABETES Milk thistle extracts may be useful in treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as silibinin inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin release in vitro, while not affecting blood glucose concentration in vivo. [39]Aqueous extracts of milk thistle exhibit potent hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic activities in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats without affecting insulin secretion. [40]HEART Milk thistle extract, silymarin, protects cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress via cell membrane stabilization effect, radical scavenging and iron chelating potency. {41]IMMUNE MODULATIONA study of mice showed milk thistle silymarin could prevent UVB-induced immuno-suppression and oxidative stress probably by inhibiting the infiltration of leukocytes, and myeloperoxidase activity. [42]A study demonstrated that milk thistle was immunostimulatory in vitro. Milk thistle increased lymphocyte proliferation in both mitogen and MLC assays. These effects of Milk Thistle were associated with an increase in interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 cytokines in the MLC (table). This immunostimulatory effect increased in response to increasing doses of Milk Thistle. [43]LIVERCIRRHOSIS A double blind study of 170 patients with cirrhosis demonstrated that silymarin (milk thistle extract) treatment was effective in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. [44] A study has suggested that milk thistle and S-adenosylmethionine may be effective in alcoholic cirrhosis. [45]FIBROSIS Milk thistle silymarin retarded the development of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in 12 baboons, consistent with several positive clinical trials. [46]INJURY The hepatoprotective properties of milk thistle extracts in acute and chronic liver injury is probably related to inhibition of leukotriene B (4) formation by silibinin [Milk thistle]. [47]The protective effects of milk thistle on liver injury may be related to the recovery of the membrane fluidities of liver microsome and mitochondria [48]HEPATITIS C A double-blinded trial of 141 subjects demonstrated that milk thistle extract, silymarin, could improve symptoms and general well-being of patients suffered from hepatitis C. [49] However, some researchers found that milk thistle extracts had no benefits on liver health. For instance, milk thistle extract was found to have no hepatoprotective effect on dairy cows. [50]NERVOUS SYSTEMIn a cell study, milk thistle silymarin significantly inhibited the LPS-induced activation of microglia and the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide (NO), and reduced the damage to dopaminergic neurons.[51]Milk thistle extract protected cultured rat hippocampal neurons against oxidative stress-induced cell death. [52]MILK THISTLE DRUG INTERACTIONMilk thistle decreased the trough concentrations of indinavir in humans. [53] However, another study showed milk thistle had no apparent effect on indinavir plasma concentrations. [54] This conflicting data might be due to different milk thistle product preparation, extraction method, product composition, experimental design or even the purity of milk thistle.MILK THISTLE SIDE EFFECTSMilk thistle appears to be safe and accepted by patients. Only a few cases of milk thistle side effect have been reported. Citations about milk thistle side effects and safety issues from various researchers are summarized as follows:[1] Silymarin (milk thistle) with few side effects that has been safely used for centuries to treat liver ailments. [55][2] Silymarin (milk thistle) side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic skin rashes.[56][3] In a study of 170 patients with cirrhosis, researchers observed no milk thistle side effect. [57][4] Silymarin (milk thistle) exposure did not produce any signs of overt toxicity or any changes in relative organ weights. VJ et al, Physiological responses of a natural antioxidant flavonoid mixture, silymarin, in BALB/c mice: III. [58][5] Treatment with milk thistle appears to be safe and well tolerated. No reduction in mortality, but improvements in histology and in biochemical markers of liver function among patients with chronic liver disease were found with milk thistle supplement. [59][6] Milk thistle was not associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse events. [60][7] High dose of milk thistle may stimulate inflammatory process (from a mice study). [61]Note Milk thistle can produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (e.g. ragweed, chrysanthemium, marigold, and daisy}.CONCLUSIONS1. Milk thistle has somewhat benefits on liver conditions. But, its effect on hepatitis C is inconclusive.2. Milk thistle extracts are well-accepted, with limited side effects.3. Milk thistle extracts may have benfits on cancer prevention, based on the vitro and animal studies. Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock >Subject: Re: [HAWK_Health_ Awareness] Stone Away"HAWK_Health_ Awareness" <HAWK_Health_ Awareness>Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 3:51 PM Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice Root Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 By juice I mean taking like apples and juicing them or throw them in the blender and eat the pulp too. This way it will be easier on the stomach to digest them. (or carrots or whatever) Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: Candace Podratz <candaceandbrock@...>Subject: Re: Stone Away"health " <health >Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 10:28 PM I have a juicer and a blender. I tried an all liquid diet but get SO hungry since starting on Kombucha. It seems to be helping my stomach work and i'm suddenly feeling like if I don't eat 4x a day I'll starve to death. I think I'll try a liquid diet this weekend. I move around way too much at work to not get hungry. Thanks for the info on milk thistle! I had no idea it did that much!!!Sent from my iPhone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 What do you think about eating only fruits, just extracted vegetable juices, water and the cranberry juice during one week? I would do it. Rena Re: Stone Away"health " <health >Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 3:51 PM Sorry I had the name wrong... Not Stone Away, it's called Stone Free: Tumeric Root, Gravel Root, Dandelion Root Extract, Ginger Root, Lemon Balm Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Root, Dandelion Root, and Licorice Root Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, acacia gum, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide It hurts my stomach pretty bad when I take them but I imagine that's probably because it's not working so it sits in my stomach too long. Maybe not being broken down enough is the reason for the stone attacks when I take them? I just don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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